The Kano State Government has announced that it has assumed full responsibility for the treatment and welfare of children infected with diphtheria across the state.
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Confirming the development, the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Mansur Nagoda, said the government has already procured drugs and medical supplies worth millions of naira to sustain treatment for the affected children. He added that the directive came from the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf.
According to him, the government is providing free medication, food, and other essential support to ensure the children’s full recovery.
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects the throat and airways, often causing fever, sore throat, and breathing difficulties. It can be fatal without prompt treatment and is preventable through vaccination.
Daily News 24 earlier reported how diphtheria claimed the lives of four out of five siblings in the Hotoron Yan Dodo community in Kano in August 2025. The father, Malam Yusuf Maitama, shared the heartbreaking story of his youngest child who first showed symptoms of the disease, leading to a swift and tragic death. Despite efforts to treat her at home, she passed away shortly after seeking hospital care.
Three other children contracted the disease and died, highlighting the serious consequences of the outbreak and ongoing healthcare challenges in Kano.